Discover Ancient Greece and Zakynthos Turtle Island in 5 Days
Experience the best of Mainland Greece and Zakynthos on this 5-day private journey. Explore the Oracle of Delphi, historic Olympia, and Mycenae’s Lion Gate, then relax on the turquoise beaches of Zakynthos. Reserve your 5-day Greek adventure today and enjoy history, culture, and island beauty! Marvel at the towering rocks of Meteora and visit centuries-old monasteries perched atop their dramatic cliffs.
Enjoy dedicated transfers, local expert guides, and personalized experiences that blend history, culture, and coastal beauty. Stroll charming villages with whitewashed houses and sea views. Discover local traditions, taste regional specialties, and capture stunning coastal and mountain landscapes. Learn the legends behind Delphi and Olympia from your expert guide. Every day is designed for memorable discoveries and authentic experiences.
Day 1: Athens – Canal of Corinth – Epidaurus – Nafplio – Olympia
Your private driver welcomes you at your hotel for the start of an unforgettable Greek journey. Travel through scenic coastal roads, taking in breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea before arriving at the Corinth Canal, a remarkable engineering marvel connecting the Aegean and Ionian Seas. Pause to capture stunning photographs and learn about the canal’s historical and modern significance. Continue to Epidaurus, home to one of the world’s best-preserved ancient theaters, renowned for its exceptional acoustics. Step inside and imagine the dramas and sacred performances that captivated audiences thousands of years ago while exploring the surrounding sanctuary dedicated to Asclepius, the god of healing. In the afternoon, arrive in romantic Nafplio, Greece’s first capital, and stroll its Venetian streets and picturesque seaside promenade. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional taverna and take in the town’s charm. Afterwards, visit Mycenae, the legendary kingdom of Agamemnon, standing before the imposing Lion Gate and exploring the royal tombs where mythology and history converge. The day concludes with evening arrival in Olympia, birthplace of the Olympic Games, offering a peaceful atmosphere and anticipation for the adventures to come. Overnight at Olympia.
Day 2: Olympia – Olive Oil, Honey & Wine Tasting – Zakynthos Island
Begin the day exploring Ancient Olympia, including the Temple of Zeus, the ancient stadium, and the gymnasium where Olympic champions once trained. Learn about the rituals and ceremonies that shaped this historic site and imagine the excitement of the first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Afterwards, indulge in a local tasting experience, savoring premium Greek olive oil, regional wines, and homemade honey-based treats under the shade of rural farm trees. This intimate encounter offers a genuine taste of Greek hospitality and culinary tradition. Later, travel to Kyllini Port and board a ferry to Zakynthos, one of Greece’s most celebrated islands. Upon arrival, explore the charming town, relax by the waterfront, and enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside taverna. Spend the evening soaking in the island’s vibrant atmosphere and enjoying the tranquil surroundings of Zakynthos. Overnight at Zakynthos.
Day 3: Full-Day Zakynthos Cruise – Blue Caves & Shipwreck
This day is dedicated entirely to the sea and the spectacular coastal scenery of Zakynthos. Board a boat from Zakynthos Marina and cruise to the Blue Caves, marveling at their crystal-clear turquoise waters and dramatic rock formations. Continue to Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), world-famous for its white cliffs and iconic shipwreck, providing picture-perfect moments for photography and memory-making. The journey continues along the coastline to Porto Vromi, Agalas Caves, Keri Caves, and Turtle Island, home of the protected Caretta-Caretta sea turtles. Swim in pristine waters, relax on sandy beaches, and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. Conclude the day with a visit to Saint Nicholas Beach before returning to the hotel for a serene evening on Zakynthos. Overnight at Zalynthos. ** Day Cruise in Zakynthos is available May to Sep
Day 4: Zakynthos – Delphi – Meteora
After the morning ferry back to the mainland, drive across the Rion–Antirrio Bridge, one of Europe’s largest engineering landmarks, and make a stop in Nafpaktos, a Venetian harbor town, for coffee and panoramic views. Continue to Delphi, considered the center of the ancient world, where the Temple of Apollo, ancient theatre, and the Delphi Museum, including the famous Bronze Charioteer, await. Explore the archaeological treasures and imagine the influence of the oracle that once guided kings and citizens. Travel through dramatic mountain landscapes to Kalambaka, the gateway to Meteora, where towering rock formations and monasteries perched high above the valley create a truly magical panorama. Evening arrival in Meteora allows time to absorb the extraordinary natural beauty and historical significance of this UNESCO site. Overnight at Meteora.
Day 5: Meteora Monasteries – Thermopylae – Athens
Begin the final day visiting two spectacular Meteora monasteries, suspended atop monumental rock pillars, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. Explore centuries-old frescoes and sacred chapels while experiencing the serene spiritual atmosphere of these unique religious sites. On the return journey to Athens, stop at Thermopylae, where King Leonidas and his 300 Spartans made their legendary stand. Visit the commemorative monument and reflect on one of the most iconic moments in history. Arrive in Athens in the evening, concluding a journey filled with UNESCO heritage sites, ancient history, cultural experiences, and unforgettable landscapes, leaving travelers with memories of Greece’s beauty, culture, and rich heritage.
Canal of Corinth
Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus
Mycenae, Nafplio town
Ancient Olympia, Naupactus town
Zakynthos Islands
Beach of Shipwreck
The Blue Caves in Zakynthos
Delphi, Arachova
Kalambaka, Meteora Monasteries
Thermopylae
Duration: 5 Days
Tour Type: Cultural & leisure trip
Group type: Private
Availability: All year
Languages: English
Accessibility: Stroller Accessible
Ideal for: Families, Couples, Single
Group Size: 1 - 7 + participants
5 Days
All Year
Private Tour
Inclusions
Private car with English speaking Driver
4 Nights' accommodation with breakfast
Ferry tickets from/to Kylini port/Zakynthos port
Honey, Olive oil & Wine tasting Olympia
Day cruise around Zakynthos
1 Bottle of water per person / per day
Welcome bag with gifts
Exclusions
Entrance fee at Archaeological sites
Licensed Tour Guides at Archaeological sites
Hotel City tax
Zakynthos is known for its crystal-clear waters and Turtle Island, offering a unique island experience alongside mainland Greece highlights.
Yes, it combines ancient Greek sites with a relaxing island visit, creating a balanced and diverse travel experience.
Yes, visits to Turtle Island and nearby coastal areas are part of the Zakynthos experience.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want both cultural exploration and time to enjoy Greece’s natural beauty.
The tour includes organized transfers, typically combining road travel and ferry connections for a smooth journey.
A 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking
The deposit is fully refundable up to 20 days before arrival
19 days or less before arrival incur 100% cancellation fees.
All cancellations must be sent in writing to Private Tours Greece.
Location
Recent Reviews
reviews
Ash M
Trip to Greece as a family
Honest and professional company. We enjoyed our trip to Greece. It doesn't matter which staff member is following up on the emails, the communication was upwards and onwards. Professional and courteous staff.
The company assigned Spyro for us as our driver throughout the whole trip. Spyro is a professional and courteous person. I would recommend this company without any hesitation. Just be aware that the rooms and the elevators in many of the hotels are small, so consider your options when you book in your accommodation.
Beyond a doubt, the best tour we’ve ever been on! It was exciting, informative, fun, active and our guide, Mr. Panos, was the best part of our whole vacation!
He made sure we had everything we needed, explained everything in great detail, showed us hidden gems that you will NEVER experience on your own and took us to the BEST restaurants in all of Greece! We only wish we could take him home with us! I can’t recommend this tour enough!
I posted pictures from our trip and had so many people tell us that we experienced more in five days than they had experienced in their life of living in Greece! My one caution….this is a very athletic tour so be prepared for lots of climbing (if you choose) to see the best spots (like Meteora, Mycanea and Delphi)!!! But so worth every step climbed!!!!! And good to counteract all the food we ate!!
Thank you again for a wonderful experience Mr. Panos! You will forever be part of our family!
My daughter and I enjoyed an amazing 5 day tour of Ancient Greek sites. But it was so much more than that. Aggelos, our driver, gave us insights into Greek culture, politics, everyday life and most importantly, the history of the sights we visited. The car was great and everything was extremely well organised. We had some interesting adventures along the way and Aggelos handled problems with ease. The sites themselves were absolutely mind-blowing and will stay with us forever. To touch the ancient stones at Mycenae, to see the ruined Temple of Zeus, to see the stadium at Delphi were just a few of the many highlights of the trip. I would recommend this company to anyone. We have had the best tour!
This was the best part of our trip. We visited Zakinthos, Delphi, and Meteora. The hotels were great and the site guides were wonderful. Request Tasos Psilopoulos as your driver. He was amazing. Well worth the money!
We were a party of 5 adults on a 5 day private greek tour
We had Kostas (Gus) as our driver and guide and we had the best best time
We were picked up at cruise terminal and driven through the south of Greece - via the Corinth Canal - to arrive at Olympia
Our hotel in Olympia was amazing - on the top of a hill with beautiful pool and great breakfast (included) and dinner (own expense)
we then drove North to take the ferry to the Island of Zakanthos and stayed 2 nights
The hotel was in the centre of town and easy walk along the beautiful waterfront to a restaurant Gus recommended which was great and we ate there both nights.
The Cruise (included in price) around the island is one of the best trips we have ever taken
The scenery is breathtaking - amazing clear water - limestone cliffs - they stop for 3 swims and you could buy great bbq food on board - or take your own
We then travelled onto Delphi and had a great afternoon there and then travelled to Meteora (where the amazing monastaries in the sky are) and gus drove us all around to get great photos of the sun set reflecting on the mountains and monastaries
another great hotel
The next day we visited 2 monasteries and then drove back to Athens
All along the way we stopped plenty of times for photos, toilet breaks - coffee stops in wonderful little villages and lunch stops
We had the most amazing time and it was Gus and the wonderful itinerary that made this such a great tour
The value per person was exeptional and I cant recommend this trip more highly
5 Day Classical Tour Greece with Zakynthos, Cruise at Shipwreck & Turtle Island
We did a 5 day Classical tour across Greece with the very good driver Nikos who provided plenty insights into Greek culture and lots of laughs along the way.
The accommodation was excellent, the food amazing and Nikos was professional and punctual.
We would highly recommend this tour and Nikos who provided an experience that exceeded expectations.
Let me begin by saying the customer service is excellent. The sales manager, Dimitra, took care of absolutely everything we needed plus more. All tours/tour guides/fees were taken care of before we arrived. The tour guides were excellent and very knowledgeable. The itinerary was planned out perfectly to maximize enjoyment of this beautiful country. While the sites were incredible, the true highlight of our trip was our driver, George. Uncle George was indispensable. His personality, knowledge, humor, kindness, and friendly attitude truly made the trip as good as it could possibly have been. He routinely went out of his way to provide us with the best of everything. He went above and beyond. I can't say enough about how amazing this man is. We met him as a stranger and left him as a friend. He became part of our family. Look no further than Private Tours Greece for anything and everything Greece related. They are the best.
Our group of 4 took the 5 day classical tour to Olympia, Zakynthos island and Meteora with many other stops and sights in between. From the enquires to booking, this company were very professional and easy to communicate with. The itinerary is very busy but covering many interesting places that we would not have been able to visit on our own.